Occupational therapy, “OT”, is similar to physical therapy by definition, but different in concept. Both types of rehabilitation help people regain the skills and movement necessary for functioning independently, but the majority of occupational therapists treat hand-and upper-extremity injuries, neurological and neuromuscular injuries, conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Occupational therapy focuses on critical activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, grooming, dressing, cooking driving, cleaning, and getting into and out of bed. In the outpatient setting, occupational therapists are much more likely to be found working with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (arm).

To return you to your maximum ability and independence as quickly and safely as possible

Depending on your injury, your occupational therapy program will consist of different types of exercises and treatments. These may include, but are not limited to:

Evaluation and individualized therapeutic programs

Range of motion

Strengthening program

Desensitization and sensory re-education

Hands-on (manual) therapy

Modalities for pain control

Custom splint fabrication (static and dynamic)

Edema (swelling) control

Scar management

Pain control

Muscle re-education

Work simulation exercises

Adaptive equipment

Daily living skills

Joint protection techniques

Injury management / prevention programs

Every patient and the nature of his or her injury or condition is unique, therefore therapy treatment plans vary for each patient. Our therapists will tailor your rehabilitation according to your specific needs and abilities, as well as directives given by your physician.

Treatments such as electrical stimulation, heat, ultrasound, paraffin, and whirlpool help to alleviate pain and inflammation. Active treatments such as muscle re-education, strengthening, work simulation exercises, and daily living skills aid in restoring function.

Occupational therapy visits are prescribed by your doctor and authorized by your insurance or managed-care plan. Depending on your diagnosis, the duration of treatment may vary from several days to four-to-six weeks.

Your rate of recovery will depend upon several factors, including:

Your motivation level and compliance to therapy

Your age

Your physical condition

The type and severity of your injury

Recovery from an injury or painful and debilitating condition requires commitment to your therapy program. It is typical to feel better after a few visits to therapy and to think you do not need to complete your treatment plan, or that you can do it on your own at home. However, each and every visit is important to your recovery; strengthening and work simulation under the guidance of your therapist in the latter half of your treatment plan is just as critical as mobilization and range of motion in the beginning.

Recovery takes time, rest and patience. You and your therapist are partners in your rehabilitation. Here are a couple of tips to help you maximize the benefits of occupational therapy:
Follow your therapist's directions, but be careful not to "overdo it." Exceeding the amount of stretching or strengthening as recommended by your therapist may actually re-injure the joint, muscle or soft tissue. Let your therapist know if you are sore or in pain, either during or between visits. Good communication will enhance your rehabilitation and recovery process.

Preparing for Each Visit

Be prepared to start your therapy on your first visit. Also remember to,

Bring your physician referral on your first visit.

Wear a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves.

Expect each visit to last from one to two hours.

Our therapists, in conjunction with your doctor, will determine how often you should come.

Occupational Therapy is a Master’s program. Our Occupational Therapists have passed a national board certification test and must remain current with continuing education in order to maintain state registration.

Locations

Our Occupational Therapy Hand Program is located at our Indian River and Cheboygan locations.